Question

In: Biology

Most of the organisms considered to be “more advanced” from anevolutionary standpoint, reproduce sexually. This...

Most of the organisms considered to be “more advanced” from an evolutionary standpoint, reproduce sexually. This indicates there are advantages in sexual reproduction. Research the advantages of sexual reproduction compared to asexual reproduction and provide examples of both? What types of organisms mainly reproduce asexually vs those that mainly reproduce sexually? Why do you think evolution favored sexual reproduction over asexual reproduction? What is an example of an organism that can reproduce both ways? How is this advantageous? Make sure to include all your sources.

Solutions

Expert Solution

Asexual reproduction
Advantages:
i. Can produce a large number of progeny in a short time
ii. Less energetic
iii. Can retain parental characters (Clones are produced)
iv. Mate is not required

Disadvantages:
i. No genetic variation

Sexual reproduction:
Advantages:
i. Can generate genetic variation
ii. Essential for evolution of new traits/adaptations/species

Disadvantages:
i. Two sexes are required
ii. Energetically costly


Most of the primitive organisms such as bacteria and lower plants (Algae and fungi) exhibit asexual reproduction.
Most of the higher/evolved organisms such as chordates and higher plants (Gymnosperms and Angiosperms) exhibit sexual reproduction.

Animals that exhibit both sexual as well as asexual reproduction: Sea anemone and starfish
Plants that exhibit both sexual as well as asexual reproduction: Marchantia, Grasses, Ginger, etc...

The advantage of reproducing by both mechanisms is that the organism can reproduce under any circumstance.
For example, plants such as grasses undergo asexual reproduction by runners under favorable conditions. During unfavorable conditions, they can produce flowers and complete their life cycle.


Related Solutions

Most of the organisms considered to be “more advanced” from an evolutionary standpoint, reproduce sexually. This...
Most of the organisms considered to be “more advanced” from an evolutionary standpoint, reproduce sexually. This indicates there are advantages in sexual reproduction. What do you think the advantages are of sexual reproduction compared to asexual reproduction? Why do you think evolution favored sexual reproduction over asexual reproduction?
Dogs have 39 pairs of chromosomes and like all mammals are diploid organisms that reproduce sexually....
Dogs have 39 pairs of chromosomes and like all mammals are diploid organisms that reproduce sexually. All dogs belong to the same species but there are hundreds of different breeds (varieties or sub-species). Sexual reproduction offers advantages over simple binary fission at increasing genetic diversity in populations. Explain the role of meiosis in increasing genetic diversity
Why are sexually reproducing organisms that use genetic imprinting unlikely to be able reproduce asexually (focus...
Why are sexually reproducing organisms that use genetic imprinting unlikely to be able reproduce asexually (focus on the problems genetic imprinting causes)? Similarly, why does genetic imprinting cause difficulties with regard to cloning organisms? Explain.
suggest why species that reproduce asexually can out-perform sexually reproducing organisms in some situations.
suggest why species that reproduce asexually can out-perform sexually reproducing organisms in some situations.
Do algae reproduce sexually or asexually?
Do algae reproduce sexually or asexually?
All but the most primitive species of organism have the ability to reproduce sexually. Can you...
All but the most primitive species of organism have the ability to reproduce sexually. Can you ex­plain why sexual reproduction is considered a hallmark of evolutionary advancement? What are the advantages over asexual reproduction?
Which processes lead to most genetic variation in sexually reproducing organisms?
  Which processes lead to most genetic variation in sexually reproducing organisms?   Select all that apply.   random fertilization   cytokinesis   crossing over   independent assortment of chromosomes in meiosis
From giant stick insects to pythons, some animals can choose to reproduce sexually or asexually. In...
From giant stick insects to pythons, some animals can choose to reproduce sexually or asexually. In terms of parental contributions and genetic variation of the offspring, what are the benefits and drawbacks when sexually-reproducing organisms opt for parthenogenesis?
Imagine a population of 2n=2 organisms that reproduce sexually via outcrossing. For each question below, respond with "yes", "no", "it's complicated", or "not enough info", and explain.
Imagine a population of 2n=2 organisms that reproduce sexually via outcrossing. For each question below, respond with "yes", "no", "it's complicated", or "not enough info", and explain.a. For this population, will mutation be a source of genetic variation? Explain.b. For this population, will crossing over be a source of genetic variation? Explain.c. For this population, will independent assortment be a source of genetic variation? Explain
From a tax standpoint, would an Uber driver prefer to be considered an “employee” of Uber...
From a tax standpoint, would an Uber driver prefer to be considered an “employee” of Uber or an “independent business owner”? State the various advantages and disadvantages, if any, of each such status. Limit you answer only to tax considerations, including (but not necessarily limited to) depreciation and retirement saving considerations.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT